As the summer winds to an end fans were excited to see one of the hottest concerts of the year as Dierks Bentley and friends takeover the Xfinity Center for their Gravel and Gold Tour.
First to hit the stage was a country singer with a throwback sound and a rebellious spirit indebted to Miranda Lambert Kaitlin Butts. She is a rising star in the country music scene.
The evening kicked off with a mix of anticipation and excitement as the crowd settled into their seats. From the moment Butts took the stage, it was clear that the audience was in for something special. Dressed in a vintage-inspired, black dress that echoed the timeless essence of classic country, Butts immediately captivated the room with her warm presence and genuine charm.
She opened the set with “White River,” a heartfelt ballad that showcases her powerful vocals and storytelling ability. The crowd swayed in unison, hanging on every word as Butts sang of love, loss, and the simple pleasures of life in the heartland. Her voice, a rich blend of twang and tenderness, filled the venue with an authenticity that’s often missing in today’s country music landscape.
In a world where country music is often criticized for losing its roots, Kaitlin Butts is a breath of fresh air. Her performance was a reminder of the genre’s rich history and the bright future it holds with artists like her leading the charge. She didn’t just perform—she took the audience on a journey, and it’s one that won’t be forgotten anytime soon.
Next performer of the evening was American country music singer, songwriter and reality television personality Chase Rice. He first came to prominence in 2010 while he was a contestant on Survivor: Nicaragua, where he was the runner-up to Jud “Fabio” Birza. In the same year Rice began focusing on a career in country music, and later co-wrote the diamond-certified single “Cruise”, performed by Florida Georgia Line.
Chase Rice knows how to put on a show, and tonight’s performance was no exception. The sold-out crowd was buzzing with anticipation. Kicking off the night with his hit “Bad Day To Be A Cold Beer,” Rice wasted no time in getting the audience on their feet. The song’s infectious beat and Rice’s commanding stage presence set the tone for the evening—a night of high-energy country rock that kept the crowd engaged from start to finish. His rugged, confident demeanor and effortless connection with the audience made it clear why he’s become one of country music’s most dynamic performers.
Throughout the night, Chase Rice took the crowd on a journey through his evolving catalog of hits, mixing in tracks from his latest album, I Hate Cowboys & All Dogs Go To Hell, with fan favorites like “Eyes on You” and “Lonely If You Are.” Each song was met with enthusiastic cheers, with the crowd singing along to every word.
Rice’s rapport with the audience was undeniable. He frequently paused to share stories from his life on the road, his experiences in the music industry, and his gratitude for the support of his fans. His down-to-earth personality and genuine appreciation for his audience were evident, making the large venue feel surprisingly intimate.
As the night drew to a close, Rice turned up the energy once more with “Drinkin’ Beer. Talkin’ God. Amen.” The crowd erupted, dancing and singing along to the anthemic chorus. The song, a collaboration with Florida Georgia Line, showcased Rice’s ability to blend traditional country themes with a modern twist, a balance he’s mastered over the years.
The final performer of the evening was American country music singer and songwriter Dierks Bentley. On July 29, 2022, Bentley released the lead single, “Gold”, from his tenth studio album, Gravel & Gold, which was released on February 24, 2023. On November 19, he released “High Note”, a bluegrass track featuring Billy Strings.
As the sun set behind the natural beauty of the venue, it provided a stunning backdrop for an evening filled with country music at its finest. Bentley, a seasoned performer and one of the genre’s most beloved stars, delivered a show that was equal parts high-energy celebration and heartfelt storytelling.
The night kicked off with a bang as Bentley launched into “Gold,” his newest single off his tenth album. The crowd, a sea of cowboy hats and denim, erupted in cheers, immediately drawn into Bentley’s infectious energy. His easygoing, charismatic stage presence was evident from the start, as he navigated the stage with the confidence of a performer who knows exactly how to engage his audience.
As the setlist unfolded, Bentley delivered hit after hit, seamlessly blending tracks from his extensive catalog. From the anthemic “I hold On” to the reflective “Say You Do,” each song was met with enthusiastic applause and sing-alongs from the audience. The unique acoustics of the venue amplified the emotion in Bentley’s voice, making each performance feel even more intimate and powerful.
One of the standout moments of the night was Bentley’s performance of “Burning Man.” Joined by his band, Bentley delivered the song with an intensity that resonated deeply with the crowd. The combination of the song’s powerful lyrics, the band’s dynamic performance, and the natural beauty of the venue created a truly unforgettable experience. The audience’s energy reached a peak during this song, with fans raising their hands and singing along to every word.
Bentley’s ability to connect with his audience was on full display throughout the night. He frequently paused between songs to share personal stories, including reflections on his journey as an artist and his genuine warmth and humility shone through, making the massive amphitheater feel like a much more intimate setting.
A particularly moving moment came when Bentley performed “I Hold On,” a song that has become an anthem for resilience and dedication. As he sang, images of his old pickup truck and guitar flashed on the screens behind him, underscoring the song’s message of holding onto the things that matter most. The crowd’s response was electric, with many visibly moved by the performance.
For the encore, Bentley returned to the stage as his alter ego band “Hot Country nights.” American country music and parody music band formed by country music singer Dierks Bentley in 2015. The band is composed of Bentley and his own road band. Bentley portrays lead singer Douglas “Doug” Douglason, with the other members of his band performing under the names of Trevor Travis (bass guitar), Marty Ray “Rayro” Roburn (lead guitar), Terotej “Terry” Dvoraczekynski (fiddle), Barry Van Ricky (steel guitar), and Monte Montgomery (drums). The members of Bentley’s road band have also fashioned fictitious backstories for their musical stage names.
They played a medley of hits which included, “I Like It I Love It/Meet In The Middle/Little Rock/Heads Carolina, Tails California/Achy Breaky Heart/Man! I Feel Like A Woman!/Friends In Low Places. The crowd was loving every minute and sang along to all the words.
Dierks Bentley and Hot Country Knights delivered a concert experience that was equal parts nostalgia, humor, and heart. By blending the lighthearted fun of ’90s country with the sincerity and emotion of modern hits, Bentley showcased his range as an artist and entertainer. It was a night that left fans smiling, singing, and eagerly awaiting the next time Bentley and his alter-ego band roll into town.
Dierks Bentley
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Chase Rice
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